The conflict between the two factions was intensifying. Cen Taizai submitted a petition stating that since the Wujin Token had returned, the trial for the Great Princess should proceed to prove her identity.
Chapter Sixty-Nine: Knowing People, Knowing Faces
The people of Nanrui believed in the divine right of royal power, using the phoenix as their totem and considering the Son of Heaven a phoenix reincarnate, blessed by divine spirits. The Wujin Token was the sacred object for Nanrui’s celestial worship, proving the royal bloodline. The trial aimed to demonstrate two points: that I was indeed Princess Xuan’s daughter and a legitimate royal descendant, and that I was the heir chosen by the phoenix divine bird.
If I passed this trial, it would be difficult for Jiang Yunqiao to compete for the heir’s position. However, the fact that this initiative came from Cen Taizai indicated they were prepared to ensure my failure in the trial.
Once I lost my qualification to succeed in front of the world, even if Emperor Hong wanted to pass the throne to me, he would have to step back due to public opinion.
The trial had two steps: verifying my bloodline and having the divine bird determine if I was the heaven-ordained monarch. An Jin and I investigated the process. The first step was straightforward. In the temple, under the high priest’s guidance, I would place the Wujin Token in a gold cup of sacred water and drop blood from my right fingertip. If my blood did not dissolve in the water and sank directly, it would confirm my Jiang royal bloodline. If it dissolved or floated, I would be deemed not of royal descent.
I felt doubt about whether my blood would dissolve. However, given this “trial” had been passed down for centuries and had many successful candidates, I believed this holy water was different from ordinary water. If Yun Qiao interfered at this stage, she would fundamentally deny my qualification as a member of the Nanrui royal family, risking my right to inherit the throne and possibly facing expulsion or execution as an imposter.
I believe that Yun Qiao, despite her ambitions, would never interfere at this stage.
Even if her rationality is clouded by love, she has a kind heart; completely eliminating me would not be her style.
